Why Sci-Fi and Genre Series Like 'The Penguin' and 'The Last of Us' Captivate Emmy Voters Today

The Rise of Science Fiction and Horror in the Emmys

Science fiction and horror have made a significant impact at the Emmy Awards, with several notable shows receiving recognition in major categories such as acting, writing, and best series. Among the nominees are "The Penguin," "The Last of Us," "Andor," "Severance," "Paradise," and "What We Do in the Shadows." These shows have not only captured the attention of audiences but have also demonstrated the power of genre storytelling.

Embracing Genre Storytelling

Craig Mazin, the showrunner of "The Last of Us," attributes the rise of genre storytelling to the success of "The Lord of the Rings." He explains that the series brought a level of quality and thoughtfulness to its narrative, which embraced its genre elements rather than dismissing them. "Genre elements have more in common with mythology and legend than anything else, and mythology and legend are the most basic kind of storytelling we have," he says.

Mazin emphasizes that the quality of the script is crucial in television. He believes that a compelling story can transcend its genre, making it relatable and engaging for a wide audience. "If you can deliver something where an agent can say to an actor, ‘Hey, listen, this is a show about fungus zombies. But no, it's not. It's a show about a father and a daughter. It's a show about loss. It's a show about community, it's a show about hope, and it's a show about vengeance. Read it.'"

Character Development and Complexity

Lauren LeFranc, the showrunner of "The Penguin," highlights the importance of creating fully developed characters. She notes that Cristin Milioti, who portrays Sofia Falcone, asked many questions about her character's backstory. This process allowed the team to explore the depths of Sofia's trauma and how it shaped her actions.

LeFranc describes the experience of working with Milioti as magical, emphasizing the collaborative effort to understand where Sofia begins and ends. "Sofia was holding in a lot of trauma, physically," she explains. This attention to detail helped create a rich and complex character.

LeFranc also mentions her desire to push against traditional tropes in crime dramas. Growing up, she noticed that female characters were often less developed than their male counterparts. "It was important for me to really center a lot of complicated, flawed women in the show and try to give them richness," she says.

Challenging Expectations

In one episode, Sofia faces a situation where she needs to obtain information from Eve, a character who is often portrayed as vulnerable. LeFranc explains that the team chose not to follow the typical trope of making Eve a victim. "Sofia would not make this choice," she states. This decision reflects a commitment to creating realistic and human dynamics that challenge audience expectations.

Reflecting on Society Through Genre

According to Mazin, science fiction has the unique ability to hold up a fun house mirror to society. "It's still us, but we can see what happens if we continue to proliferate nuclear weapons, if we continue to allow the Earth to warm right, if we continue to overuse antibiotics, if we continue to let AI take over every day," he says.

LeFranc takes a broader perspective, believing that good stories can be told in any genre. "I do think good stories can be told in any genre. And I think right now we are in a climate where IP is king, and if that's the case, all writers will always find a way to tell human stories no matter the genre."

Conclusion

The success of science fiction and horror at the Emmys highlights the evolving landscape of television storytelling. With a focus on quality scripts, complex characters, and meaningful narratives, these genres continue to captivate audiences and challenge traditional expectations. As creators like Mazin and LeFranc demonstrate, the power of storytelling lies in its ability to reflect and shape our understanding of the world.